The fact that Turkey's achievement in large-scale international examinations is not at the expected level is associated with such factors as students, teachers, schools, curricula and assessment approaches. The literature links student-related causes mainly to their lack of higher-order thinking skills; and teacher-related causes to incompetency…

This paper reports data from the evaluation of the numeracy component of a long-running educational intervention, covering the period from 2001 to 2008. "QuickSmart" is both an intervention and research project operating in Australian schools. It is a structured intervention program designed for middle-school students (ages 10 to 13…

A description of the difficulties encountered in constructing a criterion-referenced test to assess end-of-year skills as part of a program evaluation is presented. The problems encountered in preparing the customized test are described in humorous detail. The first problem involved the listening test obtained from a publisher without…

The purpose of the research was to explore an alternative implementation strategy for Elementary Secondary Education Act Title I evaluation Model A; that is, the use of Rasch calibrated item banks rather than traditional norm-referenced tests. A methodology for obtaining normative information for such banks involved equating a normed test with…

The Chicago Public Schools have been developing and implementing a citywide instructional program of continuous progress/mastery learning in reading. It includes the delineation of a K-8 continuum of instructional objectives; a criterion-referenced testing program which serves as the basis for instruction, promotion, and administrative monitoring;…

An approach for clearer observation of differences when evaluating educational programs is presented. The standardized tests utilized in evaluating programs are designed to measure topics commonly taught and to maximize individual differences. This masks between-program differences and the unique aspects of different programs. Analysis of item…

This paper discusses the need for standards for instrumental music students and programs. Standards should be developed within a sound theoretical framework. Bobbett's theoretical framework for college musical students, as illustrated by the hierarchy of musical independence, is discussed; and musical independence is distinguished from musical…

Stockton Unified School District's successful strategy of using a locally developed, non-normed achievement test to implement the norm referenced model of the Title I Evaluation and Reporting System (Model A2) is described. Documented are the procedures involved in the development of a curriculum guide and test items, and the administration of…

The uses and misuses of standardized test results used for program evaluation as seen by a staff member of an Elementary Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Title I Technical Assistance Center are described. In ESEA Title I, test scores are used to select students for the program. Although federal requirements do not require using standardized test…

This paper presents the results of a five year effort to evaluate the results of tests and questionnaires administered to Follow Through (FT) and non-Follow Through (NFT) children and their parents and teachers. The test battery studied included the Metropolitan Achievement Test (MAT), the Raven's Progressive Matrices instrument, the Cooperville…

Procedures are described that have been implemented in evaluating minority medical education programs operated by the University of Virginia School of Medicine since 1984. Both process and outcome evaluation procedures have been used. Results of evaluation efforts are reviewed by program staff to design program improvements and modifications.…

This paper summarizes the findings from a two-part evaluation study which compared the effects of five model preschool intervention programs and examined 5-year longitudinal data on the effects of three of these five programs. The original five programs (Traditional, Community-Integrated, Montessori, Karnes and Bereiter-Engelmann) represented a…

This paper develops a conceptual model involving curricular, instructional/guidance, and assessment perspectives on the promotion of study skills and test-taking techniques among secondary school students. From the curricular standpoint, consideration is given to a recommended range of topical coverage and a diversified array of printed/mediated…

The Title I Evaluation and Reporting System (TIERS) was mandated to meet the requirements of the 1974 amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. It was hoped that TIERS would lead to a clear report of the effectiveness of Title I programs, based upon a synthesis of nationwide data. It has been extremely difficult to compare…

The Michigan Department of Education implemented a large-scale social action program through its Compensatory Education School Aid Act of SY 1971-72. Schools received $200 per pupil and were held accountable for pupil achievement. This paper describes the educational delivery systems in three urban schools, the evaluation of pupil achievement, and…